Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sainte-Croix-Hague, France, where the combination of a temperate maritime climate and varying sun exposure can pose risks to skin health. As the UV levels peak between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, reaching a significant value of 7, knowledge about sun safety becomes essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a typical climate that features mild summers and limited direct sunlight, it’s easy to underestimate the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. Staying informed about the UV Index helps you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and remaining low for the next few hours. By 09:00, it climbs to 2, encouraging early risers to enjoy the outdoors. As the clock strikes 10:00, the index reaches 3, signaling a moderate increase in UV exposure. The peak hour arrives at 12:00, where the index soars to 6, and it continues to hold a robust 7 from 13:00 to 15:00. This peak signifies the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, especially for those who are outside. As the day winds down, the UV intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 4 by 17:00, and easing to a gentle 2 by 19:00. For safety, it’s crucial to protect your skin during the midday sun when the UV Index reaches its maximum.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, impacting the risk of skin damage from sun exposure. High-risk months for UV exposure include April through August, with the index peaking at a very high level of 9 in June. During these months, the recommended burn time decreases to as low as 15 minutes, necessitating caution. In contrast, January, November, and December experience lower UV levels, categorized as low with burn times of up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during high UV periods by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially in the peak summer months. Stay informed and proactive to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sainte-Croix-Hague | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Paris UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Lyon UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Nice UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Marseille UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toulouse UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |